often attributive
1
a
: a series of usually metal links or rings connected to or fitted into one another and used for various purposes (such as support, restraint, transmission of mechanical power, or measurement)
b
: a series of links used or worn as an ornament or insignia
c(1)
: a measuring instrument of 100 links used in surveying
(2)
: a unit of length equal to 66 feet (about 20 meters)
2
: something that confines, restrains, or secures
3
a
: a series of things linked, connected, or associated together
a chain of events
a mountain chain
b
: a group of enterprises or institutions of the same kind or function usually under a single ownership, management, or control
fast-food chains
c
: a number of atoms or chemical groups united like links in a chain
chained; chaining; chains
1
: to obstruct or protect by a chain
2
: to fasten, bind, or connect with or as if with a chain
also
: fetter
Examples of chain in a Sentence
Noun
We'll need 25 feet of chain for the pulley.
The new book chronicles the chain of events leading up to the crime.
They own a chain of organic grocery stores.
The hotel chain recently opened a new hotel in Hong Kong.
Verb
She chained her bicycle to the post and went inside.
chaining up the dog in the backyard
Recent Examples on the Web
Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Oct. 2025
The aroma du jour at Aromas del Perú went a long way as a state inspector shut down the Coral Gables location of the South Florida chain for a day last week.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2025
Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025
The main characters, who wake up chained to pipes, quickly realize amputating their own foot is the only means of escape.
—The Atlantic Culture Desk, The Atlantic, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chain
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Noun
The White Lotus season 1 centered on a group of guests and workers at the Hawaii location of the titular luxury resort chain.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Oct. 2025
The aroma du jour at Aromas del Perú went a long way as a state inspector shut down the Coral Gables location of the South Florida chain for a day last week.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
This entire swap would have been a disaster of massive proportions had those two not remained chained together.
—Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025
The main characters, who wake up chained to pipes, quickly realize amputating their own foot is the only means of escape.
—The Atlantic Culture Desk, The Atlantic, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chain
Cite this Entry
“Chain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chain. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
chain
1 of 2 noun1
a
: a series of connected links or rings
b
: a measuring instrument of 100 links used in surveying
c
: a unit of length equal to 66 feet (about 20 meters)
2
: something that restricts or binds : bond
3
a
: a series of things joined together as if by links
a chain of mountains
a chain of events
b
: a number of atoms united like links in a chain
chain
2 of 2 verb
: to fasten, bind, or connect with or as if with a chain
Medical Definition
chain
noun1
: a series of things (as bacteria) linked, connected, or associated together
2
: a number of atoms or chemical groups united like links in a chain
Biographical Definition
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